| It's never too soon to start saying thanks to your | | | | Then, send them more information.Follow up in about |
| clients, vendors and referral sources for what they | | | | two weeks to see how the seeds of your generosity |
| contribute to your business. Everyone loves to be | | | | have blossomed.Information is available to everyone, |
| appreciated and acknowledged, so start now and do | | | | through the internet, magazines and newspapers. Only |
| something every month.Keep in contact with your | | | | you can provide customized data to your clients that |
| clients and vendors by sending articles you have | | | | will be appreciated as well as remembered.Review |
| written or that would be of interest to them. Add a little | | | | your brochures, marketing letters, and newsletters in a |
| "How are you?" note to these people and keep the | | | | new light. Does this information speak to your "Ideal |
| lines of communication open. Include current information | | | | Client"? Do you know who your "Ideal Client" is? |
| about any new value-added products or services, | | | | Reinvent these documents as needed after you have |
| such as a newsletter, or tele-class you will be | | | | thoroughly defined this client. Give these documents to |
| presenting.Marketing doesn't have to be expensive. | | | | your management team and get their feedback.Does |
| You just have to do it.Communication and relationship | | | | your collateral material speak to what you do? Is the |
| are the keys to marketing. Attending numerous | | | | information clear or does it require interpretation? |
| networking meetings may be worthwhile to some, but | | | | Spend time on this now and review it every ninety |
| that strategy doesn't work for everyone because, as | | | | days.If the cost of a new brochure is prohibitive, or if |
| someone once told me, the people who love you will | | | | you think your business will be adding more products |
| always refer business to you.The people who are | | | | or services in the near future, create an Information |
| your advocates or supporters are the ones who | | | | Letter.With this type of document, you can update |
| require nurturing. Send them an e-mail, e-zine, note, or | | | | your advocate group as well as former and potential |
| article at least once a month.Gather your internal and | | | | clients. Again, it's not costly and serves a specific |
| external management teams in an informal meeting | | | | purpose.This letter can include updates on your |
| such as breakfast or lunch. Advise them of your | | | | particular industry or market. You also can advise |
| upcoming plans, get feedback and give | | | | them of your continuing education and how it will |
| acknowledgement for all their support and | | | | benefit them.About those referral sources, they |
| advice.Check in with former clients to see how they | | | | deserve a little extra attention. Remember, they |
| are doing. Don't be afraid to dispense free information | | | | thought of you first! Consider seasonal flowers, plants, |
| to these people. Generosity is its own reward. If you | | | | a book or a special card.You want them to keep |
| keep a timer on your desk, you can be sure of | | | | remembering you! Nurture all these relationships and |
| keeping the conversation brief as well as focused. | | | | your business will grow and glow. |